No I didn't press it - I don't have the balls nor the inclination to take the traction control off deliberately!
I have been having a bit explore (reading the owners manual now) as this is a far more complex car than my old Fiesta!
The TC is working, I could feel it reigning the car in over tough ground, it just seemed to come on on it's own for a little while, cruising at 60mph on a smooth A road, which is rather odd.
Just went for another short drive, sub 10 minutes and there was no burning smell. Went to the local supermarket and asked a mate who is a qualified mechanic what she thought, her first thought was oil on the engine burning off as the engine gets hot, as it just got new oil yesterday, possible the mechanic splashed some about by accident.
First day down, a few worries, some massive smiles! Everyone who has seen it so far absolutely loves it. It's just such a mean, purposeful looking car. The styling is excellent, it retains the well cut shape of the Leon and adds visual aggression with the big wheels, red brake calipers, front mesh grill etc. It sounds bloody fantastic too, even driving slowly without working the turbo hard, the gentle blowing of the turbo and the slight, satisfied sounding hiss of the dump valve are excellent. Between the glowing red dials, the amazing R seats and the excellent air con / heating system it's a really comfortable, cossetting car to sit in and drive about at night. The sound insulation is excellent too, totally cutting out harsh wind and tyres noise and focusing the growl of the engine inwards. If the ride was not so stiff it would make a great motorway car (better MPG might be required!) but I did not buy it for motorway miles, I bought it because I love hard riding, fast, loud cars.
The engine is an absolute gem, my brother was convinced it was a 5 cyclinder ala the Audi TT, but a quick check online suggests it's only an inline 4. Certainly when it had it's bonnet up the other day with the engine cover on, it only looked like a 4cyl. But still, what a 4 cylinder! It has such a rumbling, offbeat growl (not unlike a 5 cylinder) and imo is probably the best sounding 4 cylinder engine I've heard, baring the boxer engine that Subaru utilise of course. The performance is not bad either!
It gains extra cool points too because you don't see many of them about. I think I've only ever seen one Cupra R of this generation on the road. I've only seen one newer one, but they have not been out so long. Wish me luck, I've got my fingers crossed that I'm in for a good time!
